Imam Faints during Jummah Prayers at Kaaba

MAKKAH: Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly, Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Al Haram was taken ill after he fainted during the Jummah prayer at Masjid al-Haram, Makkah in Saudi Arabia on Friday, August 11, 2023. He was reported to have suffered a sudden loss in blood pressure.

Subsequently, Sheikh Sudais who was present in the first row took over mid-prayer and concluded the Jummah Prayers

The Imam began slurring during the second part of the Khutbah and ended the Sermon prematurely and ordered “Establish Prayers”

Behind the cameras, Sheikh Maher had taken a seat on the minbar and was immediately attended to by Imams Sheikh Sudais and Sheikh Humaid and was offered a cold drink, The Imam then after a brief rest of 2 minutes felt strong enough to establish Prayers

The Imam, however, began to severely slur during recitation and fainted but was immediately caught by his bodyguards who escorted the imam to a medical centre, Sheikh Sudais took over and led the Jummah prayer to its conclusion.

The Religious Affairs for Masjid Al Haram and Masjid An Nabawi issued a statement confirming the incident and assured that the Imam was in good health and spirits. Doctors at the medical centre where he was rushed said that he was suffering from a mild case of dehydration and fatigue, and advised him to rest and drink plenty of fluids.